Poland Pacifies Fifa To Keep Euro 2012

The Polish Football Association has reached a compromise deal with FIFA – a major stepping stone towards ensuring that the country retains its position as host nation of Euro 2012.

The arbitration tribunal of the Polish National Olympic Committee suspended the FA (PZPN) last week after they allegedly failed to address corruption issues and named an administrator.

However FIFA and UEFA refused to recognise the new structure as they do not accept political interference in national associations, and the Polish National Olympic Committee must now withdraw the temporary administrator.

The Polish government has agreed to end its administration of the PZPN and adhere to a ‘roadmap’ set up following a similar row in 2007.

FIFA confirmed that, pending receipt of the letters and documents detailing the new arrangement, no sanctions would be imposed on the nation.

While UEFA has not yet commented on the situation, the European governing body is likely to follow suit ensuring that Poland remains a co-host of the Euro 2012 tournament along with Ukraine.

The new roadmap was created following discussions between the Polish FA, the Polish government, FIFA and UEFA and laid out the steps that should be taken before elections take place at the Polish FA.

The matter will be analysed and discussed at the next FIFA Executive Committee meeting on 23rd-24th October.

Sanctions against the country remains a possibility as FIFA says it will continue to ‘closely monitor the situation at the Polish FA and the implementation of the measures established in the roadmap’.